19,200 Metric Tons of Maize to Support 863,000 Households in Malawi’s Drought Crisis

BLANTYRE, MALAWI – A large shipment of 19,200 metric tons of maize from Ukraine has arrived in Malawi, part of the global “Grain from Ukraine” initiative aimed at supporting communities hit hardest by a severe drought. The shipment, organized by WFP in cooperation with the Government of Malawi’s DoDMA, will bring life-saving food assistance to over 863,000 households currently struggling due to an induced drought by El Niño that has persistently hit the country.

International Support for Malawi’s Drought Response

This delivery would not have been possible without the combined effort of a number of international partners that include France, Korea, the Netherlands, and Sweden. All these countries contributed jointly to $15 million to WFP’s response to the crisis, covering the purchase and transportation costs of the maize from Ukraine to Malawi.

This timely contribution will support the most vulnerable communities in this country’s hardest-hit regions over the next two months, availing basic food stuff to blunt the impact of this drought that has left millions unable to meet basic needs.

“We are grateful for this substantial contribution, which will help us reach those most in need,” said Paul Turnbull, WFP Malawi Country Director and Representative. “The support of the international community is critical as we respond to the growing food crisis in Malawi.”

Food Distribution Efforts Begin in Rural Blantyre

WFP and DoDMA officials visited the food distribution site in rural Blantyre on Friday to observe ongoing efforts in delivering food assistance to those most in dire need due to the drought. The visit really emphasized the critical partnership that exists between the Malawi government, WFP, and the global community toward addressing the food insecurity crisis of the country.

This is a testimony of the power of international solidarity,” said Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs. “With this support, we are better equipped to meet the food needs of our communities during this challenging time.

Food distribution by the WFP will continue in Blantyre, Balaka, Chikwawa, Machinga, Nsanje, and Phalombe, some of the most drought-affected areas of Malawi. The shipment of maize is a temporary but vital lifeline to families suffering under hunger and malnutrition.

Looking to Reach 2 Million People in Need

The WFP drought response in Malawi involves food assistance, reaching more than 2 million of the 5.7 million currently experiencing acute food insecurity across the country. In addition to the maize distribution, WFP is treating malnutrition, planning to support 90,000 children and school meals for 700,000 students, so that children’s education will not be disrupted by this food crisis.

This maize from “Grain from Ukraine” forms part of a wider emergency response that has so far secured $44 million in contributions from international donors. The contributions have allowed WFP to procure 35,000 metric tons of maize and 2,045 metric tons of Super Cereal Plus, the shipment from Ukraine forming part of the total emergency assistance.

Yet, despite these efforts, $63 million is still needed to fully fund ongoing needs through the rest of the lean season.

Continued International Aid of Essence

The “Grain from Ukraine” maize has finally arrived, a constant pointer to the need for sustained international support if Malawi is to have any hope of solving its food crisis. The country is experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades, coupled with the El Niño weather phenomenon that has caused crop failure and water shortages across the region.

With the situation still critical, WFP has called for more contributions to meet immediate needs amid the drought. The food distribution currently in process will continue for another two months, providing temporary relief to communities at large.

“This support comes at a critical time,” Turnbull said. “The generous contributions from our international partners will go a long way in alleviating hunger and providing hope for many families.”

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Global Effort

The “Grain from Ukraine” initiative stands in testimony to how effective international collaboration can be in contributing to the fight against hunger and food insecurity. It is expected that continued international assistance will remain instrumental for Malawi as it struggles toward recovery from this protracted drought and builds resilience in case of future crises.

With international support, the WFP and the Government of Malawi are set to provide both immediate relief and long-lasting solutions so that no one will be left behind. While food distribution goes on in the affected districts, efforts will be intensified in the hope of ensuring that no person will go to bed on an empty stomach amid this devastating crisis.

Critical Lifeline for Malawians in Need

This forms part of 19,200 metric tons of maize coming from Ukraine, an important milestone in the quest to curb the food crisis that El Niño has caused in Malawi. With the unabated foreign contributions and active local ties, it is expected that Malawi will successfully sail through this time, stronger, more resilient, and well-prepared against future impacts.